Unsure whether or not to report violation of academic conduct on CASPA?

[prepastudent984]

Hey guys - 

 

During my sophomore year of undergrad (2013) I was caught trying to change my answers on an orgo exam to get a higher score. My professor and I agreed that I would continue through the course with a 0 as an exam grade and I was not allowed to drop the course. I finished with a C, and I retook the course again and received an A. 

I did sign a "step 1 agreement" with my professor agreeing to the 0 as an exam and that I could not drop the course. It will be removed from my conduct report in one year and it does not appear on my transcripts. 

My question is - do i report this on my CASPA as a violation? 

This is how it is worded: 

Have you ever been disciplined by any college, university, or professional school for: (1) unacceptable academic performance (academic probation, suspension, dismissal, etc.) or (2) conduct violations?

 

[UGoLong]

What is a "step 1 agreement" as far as that college defines it?

 

In the criminal world, kids get put on "diversion", which is a punishment of sorts, but the records are sealed (if you complete diversion successfully) and you do not ever have to report that you were charged with a felony.

 

I can't figure out what you went through.

[prepastudent984]

My record is sealed, and no one can access it without my permission. On the step 1 agreement form itself it says this:

 

ACADEMIC HONOR POLICY STEP 1 AGREEMENT
Note: This form is used to document Step 1 agreements between instructors and students. It should not be used when students have a prior record of academic dishonesty, when the alleged violation is so egregious that disciplinary sanctions (probation, suspension, dismissal, etc.) should be considered, and when students accept responsibility for the violation but want to challenge the proposed academic penalty. Courses in which there are Academic Honor Policy allegations or a Step 1 Agreement may not be dropped. 

So I went through this process because I did not have a prior record of academic dishonesty, and I was not going to face disciplinary sanctions. However I am confused as to whether or not this is more of a warning or a conduct violation. 

[MT2PA]

Your record may be sealed but if the answer to the question "Have you ever been disciplined for conduct violation?" and your answer is yes....well.....the answer is yes.  

 

The question isn't "have you ever been disciplined in a way we can find out about?"

 

It sounds like if you hadn't signed the step 1 agreement the alternative would have been disciplinary sanctions.  Just because your school offered a mulligan doesn't mean you didn't  do something wrong.

[prepastudent984]

I agree - i mean i definitely don't want to deny it, get asked why I got a C in a class during an interview, and then being perceived as dishonest when i explain what happened. I just didn't want to report it if i technically didn't violate a code of conduct. 

[greenmood]

You did something unacceptable and there was a consequence - the school is calling it an "academic penalty." 

 

In my opinion, the academic penalty you took counts as discipline by the school for a conduct violation. In the step 1 description, they even use the word "violation." If that is a direct reference to a written conduct policy, you have your answer.

[CAAdmission]

All you young students reading threads like this, make sure you take a life lesson: actions have consequences. Sometimes they are severe and lifelong.

[prepastudent984]

Shortly after this post I decided im going to report it in my application, it feels like lying otherwise and i agree that i need to face the consequences - thanks guys!

[kimmy]

Did you get in after answering yes